Despite a tough 52-10 loss Saturday to No. 1 James Madison University, the redshirted Bucs quarterback Austin Herink (Cleveland, Tenn.) is poised for a breakout season.
Herink, a transfer from Middle Tennessee State University, in the opener of William B. Greene Jr. Stadium set a school record, completing 15 straight passes.
“I have always seen myself as an accurate quarterback by continuing to work on my technique and fundamentals,” Herink said. “Knowing the offense and situational football is something I pride myself on.”
The Bucs rolled past Limestone 35-10 in the opener.
Prior to committing to Middle Tennessee State, Herink attended Cleveland High School where he was a letter-winner in football and basketball. In football, he passed for over 6,000 yards while accounting for 67 touchdowns, 52 passing. Fifteen of his 67 touchdowns came on the ground, making him an all-state selection as well as district player of the year.
Majoring in sports management, Herink has been named to the SoCon honor roll the past two years.
During his recruiting process, Herink was not offered by many schools despite his high statistics and personal accomplishments. He was ranked a two-star prospect. Though he was originally recruited by ETSU, the team ultimately signed another quarterback. Before committing to MTSU he was recruited by UT-Martin, Eastern Kentucky and Youngstown State.
Ultimately, he committed to MTSU where he redshirted his freshman year. Most noticeably were the D1 SEC schools that had an interest such as Alabama, Auburn, UTK and Vanderbilt. However, none offered Herink a scholarship during the recruiting process.
Upon transferring, as a redshirt freshman Herink started all 11 games for the Bucs, passing for over 1,000 yards and accounting for 11 touchdowns. Six of the 11 touchdowns were passing and five were rushing. His 60 percent completion percentage ranked him 33rd in the FCS. He helped the team to two wins in its first season of revival.
In his sophomore campaign, he led the Bucs to five wins. He passed for over 1,600 yards while accounting for 10 touchdowns, ending the second year of the Bucs revived football program with a lot of momentum and hopes of conference and national championships.
